Mad Hatters Announce First Player Signings
Published on July 7, 2008 under Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Danbury Mad Hatters News Release
(DANBURY, CT) - The Danbury Mad Hatters of the Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL) have announced the first player signings for their inaugural season. Dan Hickman, Jon Hutcheon, and Mike Payne have all been signed to contracts. As per club policy, the terms of the deals are not disclosed.
Dan Hickman, a native of Hamden, CT, is a 24 year old defenseman. In 111 regular season games Dan has 13 goals, 19 assists, and 178 penalty minutes. He also has 1 goal and 2 assists in 10 career postseason games. Last season, Dan played primarily in the SPHL with Richmond, while also playing 8 games for Reading in the ECHL. He has also played in the UHL and CHL.
"Dan's a high energy kid that isn't afraid to go into the corners. He plays a hard nosed style regardless if he's a forward or on defense," General Manager of Hockey Operations Brendan Tedstone said. "I coached against him when he was in college and saw him in a few camps last year. He had success in Richmond in the SPHL last season as a grinder and I have seen that he has talent around the net. Coach MacIsaac and I are looking forward to seeing him in camp."
Jon Hutcheon, a native of Billerica, MA, is a 23 year old defenseman. Last season was his first professional season. In 17 games with Valley Forge of the MAHL, he had 1 goal, 11 assists, and 50 penalty minutes. He also played in 2 games with Knoxville in the SPHL.
"Jon's a hard working kid with a ton of passion for the game," Tedstone said. "He's training hard to take his skills to the next level. I'm sure that his hard work will pay off this season with us."
Mike Payne, a 7 year veteran of professional hockey, is the third player signed by the Mad Hatters. Mike has played in the ECHL, WCHL, CHL, and UHL. In 216 games, Mike has 10 goals, 36 assists, and 1058 penalty minutes. He also has 1 assist in 9 career playoff games. The 33 year old native of Winchester, MA is expected to bring veteran leadership and toughness to the Mad Hatters.
"Mike is a player that I have been trying to get to come out and play on all the teams I was part of. He's what epitomizes the Danbury team, fans and front office. He is a win at all costs guy and holds the players on his team to the same standard that he holds himself to," said Tedstone. "He can play all forward positions and is very skilled as a defenseman. With Mike being one of my 5 on defense, I assure you that the opposing teams will not feel safe in front of our net. Danbury will love this guy, but the other cities will surely not, which is fine with me."
The Mad Hatters are scheduled to begin training camp on October 22, and will play 50 games in their first season, with opening night scheduled for November 1.
DANBURY MAD HATTERS HOCKEY: WELCOME TO THE MAD HOUSE! Season tickets are on sale now! Visit www.madhattershockey.com for more information or call 203-885-1128
Eastern Professional Hockey League Stories from July 7, 2008
- Mad Hatters Announce First Player Signings - Danbury Mad Hatters
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